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Organic Rosehip Whole Plant Extract

Q: Is rosehip extract effective for joint pain?

Yes, multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses confirm that rosehip extract significantly reduces pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis.

Q: Is it safe for long-term use?

Current evidence supports its safety for up to 3 months. Longer-term data is limited, but no major safety signals have been identified.

Q: How quickly can I expect to see benefits?

Some individuals may experience pain relief within 3 weeks, while metabolic effects might take longer, typically up to 3 months, to become noticeable.

Q: Can rosehip extract replace prescription medications like metformin?

While rosehip shows comparable metabolic effects in some areas, it should not replace prescribed medications without explicit medical advice from a healthcare professional.

Also known as: Rosehip, rose hip, dog rose fruit, Organic Rosehip Whole Plant Extract, Rosa canina

Overview

Rosehip whole plant extract is derived primarily from the fruit (pseudo-fruit) and sometimes shells of *Rosa canina* L., commonly known as dog rose. This botanical extract is rich in bioactive compounds, including vitamin C, various phenolics, flavonoids, and galactolipids, which contribute to its therapeutic properties. Traditionally, rosehip has been utilized for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, particularly in managing joint health. Recent research has expanded its potential applications to include cardiovascular, metabolic, and neuroprotective benefits. It is available in various forms such as powders, extracts, and oils. The research supporting rosehip's efficacy is moderate, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews, especially for osteoarthritis and metabolic syndrome, demonstrating good quality evidence. While some areas like neuroprotection are still in preclinical stages, the overall evidence base for its primary uses is robust.

Benefits

Rosehip extract offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily for joint health and metabolic improvements. For osteoarthritis, meta-analyses of RCTs (total n≈287) consistently show significant reductions in pain, stiffness, and improved physical function with a daily dosage of 5g of standardized rosehip powder over three months. These effects are statistically significant (p<0.01) and have been noted to be superior to glucosamine hydrochloride. In the cardiometabolic realm, a systematic review highlighted significant reductions in LDL cholesterol, fasting blood glucose (-20.4%), HbA1c (-13.5%), systolic blood pressure (-3.4%), and visceral fat (-10.4%) in human trials, with some effects comparable to metformin. Beyond these primary benefits, secondary effects include improvements in mood, sleep quality, and reduced inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) in osteoarthritis patients. These benefits are particularly evident in individuals with osteoarthritis, overweight/obese individuals with metabolic syndrome, and potentially those at risk for cardiovascular disease. The observed pain reduction and metabolic improvements are both statistically significant and clinically relevant, with some studies indicating carryover effects even after treatment cessation. Benefits typically manifest within 3 weeks to 3 months, depending on the specific outcome measured.

How it works

Rosehip's therapeutic effects are primarily attributed to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Its anti-inflammatory action involves the inhibition of NF-kappa B signaling, a key pathway in inflammation, leading to the downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6, as well as enzymes like COX-2 and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). The extract's rich content of vitamin C and phenolics contributes to its significant antioxidant activity, neutralizing harmful free radicals. Furthermore, rosehip has been shown to suppress lipid accumulation by inhibiting PPAR-gamma in adipose tissue, contributing to its metabolic benefits. The absorption and bioavailability of its active compounds can vary depending on the extraction method, with some forms like fermented aqueous extracts potentially offering higher concentrations of specific compounds like ellagic acid.

Side effects

Rosehip whole plant extract is generally considered safe and well-tolerated in clinical trials. The most commonly reported side effect is mild gastrointestinal discomfort, which occurs in less than 5% of users. Uncommon or rare adverse events have not been significantly reported in high-quality randomized controlled trials. While no well-documented drug interactions exist, caution is advised for individuals taking anticoagulants due to rosehip's potential for mild antiplatelet effects. There are no well-established contraindications; however, its use during pregnancy and lactation is not recommended due to limited safety data in these populations. The majority of evidence on rosehip's safety and efficacy comes from studies in adults, with limited research available for pediatric populations.

Dosage

For osteoarthritis benefits, the minimum effective dose of standardized rosehip powder is approximately 5 grams per day. This dosage is commonly used in randomized controlled trials and has consistently shown positive outcomes. For metabolic improvements, studies have utilized varying dosages, but effects have been observed with doses ranging from 2 to 5 grams per day. The maximum safe dose for rosehip extract has not been clearly defined, but clinical trials have shown that doses up to 5 grams per day are well-tolerated. Rosehip should be administered daily, as its benefits accumulate over weeks to months of consistent use. For optimal and consistent bioactive content, standardized powders are preferred. The extraction method significantly influences the phytochemical profile and bioavailability, which can impact efficacy. There are no specific cofactors identified as necessary for rosehip's absorption or action.

FAQs

Is rosehip extract effective for joint pain?

Yes, multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses confirm that rosehip extract significantly reduces pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis.

Is it safe for long-term use?

Current evidence supports its safety for up to 3 months. Longer-term data is limited, but no major safety signals have been identified.

How quickly can I expect to see benefits?

Some individuals may experience pain relief within 3 weeks, while metabolic effects might take longer, typically up to 3 months, to become noticeable.

Can rosehip extract replace prescription medications like metformin?

While rosehip shows comparable metabolic effects in some areas, it should not replace prescribed medications without explicit medical advice from a healthcare professional.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10821714/ – This systematic review analyzed multiple RCTs involving over 100 metabolic syndrome patients, concluding that rosehip extract significantly reduced LDL-C, fasting glucose (-20.4%), HbA1c (-13.5%), and visceral fat (-10.4%). The study highlighted heterogeneity in designs and some small sample sizes but maintained a moderate-high quality assessment due to included controlled RCTs.
https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2012/july/rosehip – This meta-analysis, summarizing three RCTs with 287 osteoarthritis patients, demonstrated significant reductions in pain and stiffness, along with improved function, with rosehip extract. It noted superior effects compared to glucosamine hydrochloride, despite a moderate sample size and potential carryover effects in crossover designs, earning a high-quality assessment.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11043540/ – This review synthesized preclinical and clinical data, emphasizing the significant phytochemical variability in rosehip extracts and the critical importance of extraction methods for efficacy. It pointed out the lack of standardized dosing and limited clinical trials for certain extracts, leading to a moderate quality assessment while calling for more dose-response studies.
https://www.ijpsjournal.com/article/Rosehip+Rosa+Canina+L+A+Systematic+Review+of+The+Plant+Traditional+Uses+And+Pharmacological+Aspects – This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the traditional uses and pharmacological aspects of Rosa canina L. (Rosehip). It delves into the plant's chemical composition, highlighting its rich content of bioactive compounds, and discusses various in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies supporting its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other therapeutic properties. The review emphasizes the potential of rosehip in managing various health conditions based on its diverse pharmacological actions.
https://www.dovepress.com/article/download/25777 – This article discusses the clinical efficacy and safety of rosehip powder in patients with osteoarthritis. It reviews several randomized, placebo-controlled trials that consistently demonstrate significant reductions in pain and improvements in physical function in patients taking rosehip powder. The article also highlights the excellent tolerability and minimal side effects associated with rosehip, positioning it as a viable natural alternative or adjunct therapy for osteoarthritis management.